Kwara: Police smash kidnapping syndicate, nab 7 members, recover weapons

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Kwara Police Command said its operatives have arrested seven suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered firearms during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across parts of the State.

SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the spokesperson for Kwara Command announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

Giving details of the operations, the spokesperson noted that on 28th May 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, acting on credible intelligence regarding the abduction of a resident within the Agbeyangi axis of Ilorin, launched a coordinated intelligence-led operation which led to arrest of one Surajo Abubakar.

She said the arrest of Abubakar provided critical intelligence that significantly advanced the investigation that resulted in the arrest of one Umar Yabani alias “Yabo,” identified as the leader of the syndicate as well as two other suspects, Isah A. Sule and Umar Sani.

“During the operation, one AK-47 rifle and one pump-action gun were recovered from the suspects. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to several kidnapping incidents across Ilorin East, Edu, Ifelodun, and neighbouring communities within Kwara State,” said Ejire-Adeyemi.

The spokesperson added that investigators intensified efforts to dismantle the remaining elements of the criminal network and subsequent intelligence obtained from the suspects led operatives to identified locations and associates connected to the syndicate.

“Consequently, on 4th June 2026, the Command carried out a follow-up intelligence-led operation in collaboration with members of the Forest Guard and Local Vigilante Groups across strategic locations within Edu and Ifelodun Local Government Areas.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of three additional suspected members of the syndicate identified as Bello Alhaji Maidabo (25), Shehu Malami (23), and Riskuwa Babuga (18), who were apprehended in the forest near Tsaragi following coordinated surveillance and tactical operations”

Police said a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm loaded with two live cartridges was recovered during the operation.

Ejire-Adeyemi said preliminary investigations indicated that the three suspects played various roles within the criminal network.

She added that they are now assisting investigators with valuable information aimed at rescuing victims believed to still be in captivity and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi stated that the breakthrough reflects the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu towards strengthening intelligence-led policing, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety nationwide.

“The Commissioner of Police, further reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and actionable information.